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According to Jerry MacNeish, in his book, The Definitive 1969 Camaro Z/28-SS396 Fact Book, p.18, "In approximately March of 1969, a new side terminal battery was introduced replacing the Y-55 top post; however, original cars with top-post cables have been found which were built June-July of 1969." He goes on to state that it was possible for the T-60 top post heavy duty battery was specified when car was ordered.

The 69 AIM, on page 161 under Battery & Cables, shows the top post battery and cables for the L-6, and on page 162, it shows the side post for V-8 applications. The release date of the drawing appears to be 11-5-68.

I wondered about this same question. I have a restored 69Z built 1st week of May. I went with the R-79S side post, purchased from Restoration Battery out of Cincinnati (513-451-1083), based on Jerry's book, and to be a little different from many restored Camaros I see typically with tops post. Not many go with the side post yet based on this discussion thread, there are original cars out there with the side post cables still in tact.

Current research indicates that the side terminal battery started in late April, 1969. I have an all original 69 Z28 survivor car that still has the original battery cables which are side terminal cables. The B/D is 05A, 1969. I should also point out the original side terminal cables have two different attaching bolt sizes, the positive has 3/8-16 threads and the ground is 5/16-18. All of the repro cables are the same size making them incorrect.

When I purchased a repro battery from the only remaining oem battery company (Ohio based), I found out that I could not use their battery. Their incompetent answer was to install repro cables and throw the originals away. I opted to drill out and install a heli coil in the battery terminal so I could use the original cables.

Wonder what the general feeling is for anyone who has dealt with the only remaining repro battery company. We have found them less than courteous, and incompetent when trying to get good technical support. They are also very expensive and offer very little discounts to other dealers. New Castle Battery, the originator of reproduction batteries was a much better vendor to deal with but unfortunately, they are no longer in business.

Just wanted to make sure I made this clear. The current reproduction side terminal batteries do not come with the correct cable mounting hole sizes. Both attaching bolt holes on these batteries is 3/8-16. Not technically correct.

Jerry, the reproduction batteries have a VERY poor reputation in the Corvette restoration community - few live more than two years. Many involved in NCRS judging (like me) simply use a current Delco replacement (like the top-terminal #24-7YR) and take a 50% (12-originality-point) hit for it (out of 4500 points for the whole car) rather than having $250-$300 tied up in an unreliable battery you can't trust in a car you drive and enjoy.

I agree 100%. At least when New Castle was around, they did a better job with their customers. Not the case with the remaniing battery company. Plus New Castle batteries were under $200 retail. Need I say more?

Current research indicates that the side terminal battery started in late April, 1969. I have an all original 69 Z28 survivor car that still has the original battery cables which are side terminal cables. The B/D is 05A, 1969. I should also point out the original side terminal cables have two different attaching bolt sizes, the positive has 3/8-16 threads and the ground is 5/16-18. All of the repro cables are the same size making them incorrect.

When I purchased a repro battery from the only remaining oem battery company (Ohio based), I found out that I could not use their battery. Their incompetent answer was to install repro cables and throw the originals away. I opted to drill out and install a heli coil in the battery terminal so I could use the original cables.

Wonder what the general feeling is for anyone who has dealt with the only remaining repro battery company. We have found them less than courteous, and incompetent when trying to get good technical support. They are also very expensive and offer very little discounts to other dealers. New Castle Battery, the originator of reproduction batteries was a much better vendor to deal with but unfortunately, they are no longer in business.

Since the side post battery sold is garbage, is there any indication that a side post battery topper will be made? I spoke with guys at batterytoppers.com at least a year ago and they stated they were looking into a side post topper, but it is still not available. I imagine that all it is is their top post topper only without the holes. Am I correct. Are they going to ever make this? I thought of getting a top post topper and attempting to fill in the holes but it is something I have been holding off doing since I keep hoping a side post topper is coming soon?

So, what battery do I need for my 69 SS350 Rally Sport 04C car? Is it a Y55, R59 or a T60, R89? I have seen all these used. My goal is to find the right NOS battery for the car for show purposes. The car is a survivor that scored 88% of it's total possible pointsl at the Camaro Nationals last year. I am trying to get this car to around 95%. That will be about the best it can do because of paint issues.

According to Jerry MacNeish, in his book, The Definitive 1969 Camaro Z/28-SS396 Fact Book, p.18, "In approximately March of 1969, a new side terminal battery was introduced replacing the Y-55 top post; however, original cars with top-post cables have been found which were built June-July of 1969." He goes on to state that it was possible for the T-60 top post heavy duty battery was specified when car was ordered.

The 69 AIM, on page 161 under Battery & Cables, shows the top post battery and cables for the L-6, and on page 162, it shows the side post for V-8 applications. The release date of the drawing appears to be 11-5-68.

I wondered about this same question. I have a restored 69Z built 1st week of May. I went with the R-79S side post, purchased from Restoration Battery out of Cincinnati (513-451-1083), based on Jerry's book, and to be a little different from many restored Camaros I see typically with tops post. Not many go with the side post yet based on this discussion thread, there are original cars out there with the side post cables still in tact.

I would like to see pic of these battery cables.

I was checking out Jerry's book and noticed he says the Y55 is a "reverse-polarity." That is confusing because that term usually means it would be a positive ground system instead of negitive.

For some reason Z/28s and maybe other small-block Camaros used a reverse-polarity top-terminal battery; aka Ford battery. All it means is the - terminal is on the RH side as you're facing the the engine bay, [+ -] not the norm for GM. BB Camaros used a 'normal' battery [- +]. Some will argue this but there are a number of Z/28 engine bay photos in vintage magazines that clearly show it.

The 69 AIM only shows side terminal battery cable assembly for the standard battery and shows 6 cylinder Camaros used RP; section 12 page A10 of the AIM. The next page shows the 'V-8' cables for the side terminal battery; all same. The 67-68 AIM shows the same thing for top terminal; all 8 cylinder cars had the same battery/cable configuration. But we know that was not how they were built.

There is no [+ -] topper; do not know if Z/28 side terminal batteries were also RP.

I'd looked into this in detail a little bit ago. The change happened in May, Jerry's car is one of the first. April cars are all top posts. I had it narrowed down to exactly when, but I need to look again.

Usages:67, 68, and early 69 L6, 307, and Z28: The standard battery was the Delco Y55 (reverse polarity)

67, 68, and early 69 327, 350, 396, and 427: The standard battery was the R59 (61 A-hr).

Late 69 L6, 307, and Z28: The standard battery became the Delco Y77 with side posts.

Late 69 350, 396, and 427: The standard battery became the Delco R79 with side posts.

I'd looked into this in detail a little bit ago. The change happened in May, Jerry's car is one of the first. April cars are all top posts. I had it narrowed down to exactly when, but I need to look again.

Usages:67, 68, and early 69 L6, 307, and Z28: The standard battery was the Delco Y55 (reverse polarity)

67, 68, and early 69 327, 350, 396, and 427: The standard battery was the R59 (61 A-hr).

Late 69 L6, 307, and Z28: The standard battery became the Delco Y77 with side posts.

Late 69 350, 396, and 427: The standard battery became the Delco R79 with side posts.

Kurt.....Looks like I need to go with the R59. If anyone out there has a NOS R59 let me know. I'll pay good money for one but not stupid money.

So, what battery do I need for my 69 SS350 Rally Sport 04C car? Is it a Y55, R59 or a T60, R89? I have seen all these used. My goal is to find the right NOS battery for the car for show purposes. The car is a survivor that scored 88% of it's total possible pointsl at the Camaro Nationals last year. I am trying to get this car to around 95%. That will be about the best it can do because of paint issues.

Could one just check the part number stamped on their original cables to determine the correct battery needed and compare to AIM? That is how I determined my car came with T-60. That high scoring on a survivor should still have the cables, right?

Last year at the Spring Mecum auction, which is held here in Indianapolis where I live, I reviewed an exceptionally nice survivor, very low mileage, Dodge Daytona "wing" car (okay, okay...not a Ď69Z Camaro which is my 1st love, but I really enjoy all muscle cars...particularly survivors). I talked to the owner and the only non-original component under the hood was the battery. He keeps the original in the trunk. He purchase a very nice reproduction jell battery but I do not recall where. I do remember that it costs about $450.

Has anyone had experience with the new repro jell batteries which are supposed to be very reliable?

Years ago, I purchased a very nice dated code Y77 side post battery for my 05A '69Z from New Castle. As Jerry M explained, it was not 100% technically correct as it had 3/8-16 terminals on both the Pos & Neg. This battery was the only one I could find at the time, and could not fine the correct reverse polarity repro cables to be 100% correct. Did I recall reading (perhaps some fictional stories) that GM dealers in service after the original car sale, would replace the original Y55 side post reverse polarity battery with a Y77 and changed out the cables?

My repro battery lasted for about 3 - 4 years (I kept it on a battery maintainer anytime the car was not being driven for a period). I cell died and I could start the car to get to a car show, but it was DOA when I tried to drive home from the show. I have a good reliable Delco battery in use now and the "neutralized" repro is the trunk for show only.

Hey Dave, what Delco battery are you using? I want to get the side post battery and cables for my 06A. I think the battery is 78-6YR, but not really sure about what cables I need. The 69 AIM has one set of part numbers, but everyone else has a different part number not the same that's in the AIM. I want to get something at some point since the top post in my car is getting old.

Sorry for the delay; I have not been on CRG for quite some time. I purchased a Delco ACD 78-7yr battery, item #19001631, professional grade car and truck, maintenance free battery. Itís a 770 cold cranking Amp (CCA) rated and has never failed me for the seven years it has been in use. The first one was purchased in 2000, and sure enough, 7-years later in June 2007, I purchased the 2nd unit. I use a battery maintainer if the car sits for more than 6 weeks or longer. I try to at least drive the car once a month (give or take a few weeks) on a 10 mile trip during the winter if the streets are dry to keep everything in good working order and keep seals lubed.

My side post negative cable is marked 6297650 AU, the positive cable is 6297683 AR, as noted in the AIM, Section 12 A11 on page 162.

Sorry for the delay; I have not been on CRG for quite some time. I purchased a Delco ACD 78-7yr battery, item #19001631, professional grade car and truck, maintenance free battery. Itís a 770 cold cranking Amp (CCA) rated and has never failed me for the seven years it has been in use. The first one was purchased in 2000, and sure enough, 7-years later in June 2007, I purchased the 2nd unit. I use a battery maintainer if the car sits for more than 6 weeks or longer. I try to at least drive the car once a month (give or take a few weeks) on a 10 mile trip during the winter if the streets are dry to keep everything in good working order and keep seals lubed.

My side post negative cable is marked 6297650 AU, the positive cable is 6297683 AR, as noted in the AIM, Section 12 A11 on page 162.